In a significant development, top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Altaf Lalli was killed in an encounter with security forces in Bandipora, Jammu and Kashmir. This high-stakes operation is part of the ongoing efforts to track down LeT operatives believed to be responsible for the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, mostly tourists.
The operation comes amid escalating tensions following the Pahalgam attack, which is being regarded as the deadliest assault in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. On the night following the encounter, the homes of two local terrorists, Adil Thokar and Asif Shaikh, were destroyed in an IED blast in Anantnag and Awantipora. Both men are accused of providing crucial support to Pakistani terrorists involved in the bloodbath.
Pahalgam Terror Attack: A Chilling Assault on Tourists
The April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam took place in Baisaran Meadow, a picturesque tourist spot located approximately 7 km from the resort town of Pahalgam. Described by survivors as a horrific and targeted assault, the attackers, disguised in Indian Army fatigue uniforms, separated victims based on their religion. Witnesses recalled that the assailants asked the victims to reveal their names and recite Islamic verses before opening fire at point-blank range.
At around 1:30 PM, while tourists were enjoying the natural beauty of the meadow surrounded by snow-capped mountains and pine forests, the attackers breached the security presence in the region, which included multiple checkpoints and armed patrols. Despite the security forces' efforts, the terrorists were able to carry out the deadly strike, leaving at least 28 people dead and several others injured.
The Pahalgam terror attack has heightened concerns about the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, and the focus now remains on dismantling terrorist networks operating in the region. Security forces are continuing their search for the individuals linked to the attack, including the involvement of LeT operatives like Lalli and other key suspects.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)